Symphony NH plans pair of holiday events

NASHUA — Two special holiday performances featuring Symphony New Hampshire will be held in the city, designed to entertain audiences with classical Christmas favorites.

On Sunday, the orchestra and chorus will take the stage to perform highlights from Handel’s “Messiah,” and other seasonal works. The concert event will begin at 3 p.m. at the Keefe Center for the Arts, 117 Elm St.

“Last year we did a pops program for the holidays, and it was very popular. But, many of our cherished holiday melodies can trace their roots back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods, so we wanted to celebrate that music this time around,” said Eric Valliere, executive director of Symphony New Hampshire. “This program gives our chorus a chance to really shine.”

The performance will include arrangements of early motets and carols associated with the holiday season, and will be conducted by Jonathan McPhee and Holly Krafka. Favorites such as “Hallelujah,” “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and “Glory to God,” are included in the concert.

Tickets range in price from $12 to $48, and will be available at the door on Sunday, or in advance at the Symphony New Hampshire Box Office, 6 Church St. Discounts for seniors and students are available, and children 5 to 15 are admitted free with an adult.

On Dec. 20, McPhee and New England Swing — Symphony New Hampshire’s resident big band — will be performing a cabaret-style evening of dancing and holiday entertainment.

Dubbed “A Glenn Miller Christmas,” the adult-focused event is intended to be a sophisticated performance by Symphony New Hampshire, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Radisson Hotel ballroom, 11 Tara Blvd.

“This is a great release from the pressures of the holiday season. It is also a perfect way for people to gather with a large group of friends or co-workers before everyone sets off on their holiday travels,” said Valliere.

According to Valliere, this same concert was sold out when it was introduced in 2010, and people have been eagerly waiting for the performance to return.

“This seemed like the right year, and I am glad that we have moved it to a bigger space so more people can enjoy the fun,” he said.

Jazz vocalist Amy Chicavich will join New England Swing for the program, which includes a mix of classic big band tunes from the Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey era, plus arrangements of beloved Christmas favorites, according to Valliere.

Tickets for the Dec. 20 concert, which is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental, are available in advance by contacting the box office at 595-9156, or visiting www.SymphonyNH.org.